SENIOR squad attack coach Harry Stapleton believes things will turn for both the first team and Development XV following the latter’s 35-7 home defeat to the British Army.

Rams started brightly without finishing a couple of early chances against the Red Shirts, the visitors clinically going into the break 14-0 up thanks to tries from former Newcastle Falcon Imi Qorowale and ex-Birmingham Moseley hooker Pete Austin, Jack Johnson with two fine conversions.

A dominant third quarter saw the Army pull further clear thanks to seven-pointers from Cambridge’s Matt Dawson, Joey Walker and Josh Wright, albeit Rams had the final word thanks to a late try from the outstanding Jack Rampton, James Gilman with the extras.

And despite falling to defeat against a side full of players with top-level experience, Harry was proud of the way his side stepped up their game to provide a combative contest.

He started: “The guys who have played first-team rugby this season knew it was an opportunity to impress against a top outfit, so they were bang up for it and I thought Jack Rampton on the wing was phenomenal, especially defensively.

“We know what he can do in attack – you’ve just got to get him the ball – but he’s getting better and better on the other side.

“Some of the guys from Reading Uni – Harry Judd, James Gilman, Rocco (Hartley), Barney (Thomas) – showed their talent and there was lots and lots of good stuff.

“Similarly, Callum Pitfield’s work rate around the field is unbelievable, whenever there’s a ball on the floor, he’s near it.

“He was unfortunate with a couple of small moments in their 22, but he’ll learn from that because he’s a great personality with a lot of character – he’ll go onto do well.”

Harry continued: “When the Army guys get together in camp they’re effectively a full-time squad with a lot of top players, and they’re building into their Inter-Services competition.

“We had a couple of good opportunities in the first half, and I think if we could have got on the scoreboard we’d have grown in confidence.

“I cannot fault the physicality, work-rate and effort, where the boys were phenomenal. It was just a couple of areas where we weren’t clinical and made errors when we got into their red zone, but overall, it was very good.

“Everyone elevated their performances and it’s the great thing about these showcase games.”

Having seen the first XV beaten 19-0 at Birmingham Moseley on Saturday in a game which featured similar small moments going against his side, Harry ended by saying he believes points are on the horizon.

He concluded: “It’s on my head as attack coach, but it’s a hard thing because you can do all you want in practice – come the heat of the moment in battle, can we make the right decisions?

“However, I’d be more concerned if we weren’t creating opportunities. If we weren’t getting into the 22 – albeit then fluffing it up – I’d be thinking ‘we’re not very good.’

“But actually, we are getting there, it’s just that final bit where we just need to calm down, make the final pass and then we’ll be ok.”

Rams are next in National One action at home to Plymouth Albion on Saturday, March 1 (3pm). For tickets, click here